*AI Translated
If you want to fully enjoy winter in Japan, why not experience the charm of snowy mountains at a ski resort? Here, we introduce 30 recommended ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano that are beginner-friendly and can be accessed from Tokyo in just 1–3 hours by Shinkansen or direct bus. We have summarized easy-to-understand information for the 2025–2026 season, including operation periods, number and types of courses, availability of night skiing, foreign language support at ski schools, ticket prices, types of partial tickets, and access methods. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, use this guide to find the ski resort that best matches your skill level.
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How to Choose a Ski Resort in Japan: Tips for Picking the Right One
Japan is home to many high-quality ski resorts from north to south, each with its own unique features, from world-class powder snow to vast slopes. The most important thing when choosing a ski resort is to find a place that matches your style. Use the following points as a reference to find your ideal ski destination.
Courses That Match Your Skill Level
Check the ratio of beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses, as well as the total number of courses. For beginners, resorts with at least 40% beginner courses are recommended for peace of mind. The more courses there are, the less likely you are to get bored. Resorts at higher elevations tend to have better, more stable snow quality, and highly rated fluffy powder snow is especially ideal for beginners, as falling doesn’t hurt as much and it’s perfect for practice. Ungroomed runs and backcountry areas are challenging and intended for intermediate and advanced skiers, so beginners should avoid these.
If the ski school offers foreign language support, international visitors can take lessons without worrying about language barriers. For families with children, choosing a resort with a kids’ park, snow park, or daycare facilities will allow everyone to enjoy winter sports with peace of mind.
Make the Most of Limited Time with “Hourly Tickets” and “Night Skiing Tickets”
To ski at Japanese resorts, you’ll need to purchase a lift ticket to ride the lifts and gondolas. The most common option is the “one-day ticket,” which allows unlimited use during operating hours. However, many resorts also offer “hourly tickets” for skiing in one-hour increments, and “night skiing tickets” for resorts with evening operations, letting you ski from late afternoon into the night. These tickets are usually cheaper than a full-day pass, making them a cost-effective choice if you only have limited time. They’re especially recommended for those who feel it’s a waste to buy a full-day ticket when you can only ski for a short time, such as after arriving on the first day or on the morning of your last day. If you plan to ski for multiple days, purchasing a two-day or multi-day pass is more economical.
Access from Tokyo
There are three main ways to get to ski resorts from Tokyo. The first is by Shinkansen. From Tokyo Station, you can reach the nearest stations in Nagano or Niigata in 1–2 hours, then take a shuttle bus or taxi to the resort.
The second option is highway buses. Many direct buses run from major terminals like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station to various ski resorts, making this a convenient and relatively affordable choice with no transfers required.
The third option is renting a car. While this gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, you need to be cautious of changing road conditions due to snow and ice in winter. Snow tires or chains may be required. If you’re not confident about driving in winter conditions, public transportation is recommended.
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List of 30 Recommended Ski Resorts Easily Accessible from Tokyo
From here, we will introduce 30 recommended ski resorts in Japan that are easily accessible from Tokyo. We have summarized key information such as the operating period for the 2025–2026 season, location, number of courses, percentage of beginner courses, availability of night skiing, foreign language support at ski schools, ticket prices (regular adult 1-day lift pass), types of time-based tickets, and access details in an easy-to-understand format.
*1 Ticket prices are for a regular adult 1-day lift pass. Discounts may be available for advance purchases online. Please check the official website for details.
*2 Types of time-based tickets: AM = morning pass, PM = afternoon pass, 2h = 2-hour pass, 4h = 4-hour pass, etc.
*3 Foreign language support: EN = English, CH = Chinese, CAN = Cantonese, TH = Thai
*4 Access: 🚅 = Shinkansen or Shinkansen + train from Tokyo Station, 🚌 = Highway bus from central Tokyo
【Niigata Prefecture】Echigo-Yuzawa Area Ski Resorts
| Operating Period (Planned) | Ski Resort Name (HP URL) | Location | No. of Courses | Beginner % | Ticket Price *1 | Time-based Tickets (Types) *2 | Night Skiing | Foreign Language School *3 | Access *4 |
| 2025/11/22– 2026/5/17 | Kagura Ski Resort | Map | 30 | 37% | 7,500 yen | AM/PM | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Bus (approx. 18 min) |
| 2025/12/6– 2026/4/5 | Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort | Map | 22 | 30% | 5,800 yen | PM | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Train (approx. 13 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/12/12– | Kandatsu Snow Resort | Map | 16 | 30% | 5,500 yen | 4h | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 7 min) |
| 2025/12/13– | Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort | Map | 8 | 30% | 6,900 yen | 4h | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station → Walk (8 min) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/4/5 | Naeba Ski Resort | Map | 24 | 42% | 7,800 yen | 4h, 8h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Bus (approx. 45 min) |
| 2025/12/19– | NASPA Ski Garden | Map | 8 | 40% | 7,000 yen | 5h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 3 min) |
| 2025/12/19– | Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort | Map | 23 | 30% | 7,900 yen | 4h, 10h | 〇 | × | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/12/20– | Iwappara Ski Resort | Map | 20 | 40% | 5,500 yen | PM | 〇 | × | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/12/20– | Yuzawa Park Resort | Map | 11 | 40% | 4,500 yen | AM/PM | 〇 | × | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/12/20– | GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort | Map | 16 | 35% | 7,300 yen | 4h | × | EN, TH, CH, CAN | 🚅 Directly connected to Gala Yuzawa Station (fastest approx. 71 min) |
| 2025/12/20– | Maiko Snow Resort | Map | 26 | 40% | 7,000 yen | 5h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 20 min) |
| Not Announced | Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Resort | Map | 16 | 40% | 5,800 yen | 5h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Echigo-Yuzawa Station (approx. 70 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 15 min) |
【Niigata Prefecture】Myoko Area Ski Resorts
| Operating Period (Planned) | Ski Resort Name (HP URL) | Location | No. of Courses | Beginner % | Ticket Price *1 | Time-based Tickets (Types) *2 | Night Skiing | Foreign Language School *3 | Access *4 |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/3/29 | Akakura Onsen Ski Area | Map | 17 | 65% | 7,000 yen | 5h | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Myoko-Kogen Station (approx. 140 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 8 min) |
| 2025/12/13– | ALPEN BLICK Ski Resort | Map | 16 | 32% | 6,900 yen | 4h | × | × | 🚅 Myoko-Kogen Station (approx. 140 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/03/29 | Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort | Map | 16 | 40% | 8,000 yen | 4h | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Myoko-Kogen Station (approx. 140 min) → Bus (approx. 30 min) |
【Nagano Prefecture】Hakuba Area Ski Resorts
| Operating Period (Planned) | Ski Resort Name (HP URL) | Location | No. of Courses | Beginner % | Ticket Price *1 | Time-based Tickets (Types) *2 | Night Skiing | Foreign Language School *3 | Access *4 |
| 2025/11/28– | Tsugaike Mountain Resort | Map | 10 | 50% | 8,200 yen | AM/PM | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Nagano Station (approx. 90 min) → Bus (approx. 90 min) |
| 2025/12/1– 2026/3/15 | Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort | Map | 16 | 30% | 8,700 yen | AM/PM | × | EN | 🚌 "Hakuba Happo" Bus Stop (approx. 5 hours) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/4/5 | Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort | Map | 14 | 30% | 6,200 yen | 4h | × | EN | 🚅 Nagano Station (approx. 90 min) → Bus (approx. 90 min) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/3/30 | Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort | Map | 16 | 40% | 6,200 yen | 4h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Nagano Station (approx. 90 min) → Bus (approx. 120 min) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/3/22 | HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari Ski Resort Family Park | Map | 12 | 40% | 5,900 yen | × | × | EN, CH, CAN | 🚅 Nagano Station (approx. 90 min) → Bus (approx. 60 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 60 min) |
| 2025/12/19– | White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka | Map | 10 | 40% | 5,400 yen | 3h, 5h | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Nagano Station (approx. 90 min) → Bus (approx. 70 min) → Train (approx. 30 min) |
| Not Announced | Able Hakuba Goryu | Map | 15 | 35% | 9,500 yen | AM/PM | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚌 "Hakuba Goryu" Bus Stop (approx. 5 hours) |
| Not Announced | Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park | Map | 8 | 30% | 9,500 yen | AM/PM | × | EN | 🚌 "Hakuba47" Bus Stop (approx. 5 hours 13 min) |
| Not Announced | Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field | Map | 9 | 15% | 6,500 yen | AM/PM | × | EN, CH | 🚌 "Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort" Bus Stop (approx. 5 hours 20 min) |
| Not Announced | Jigatake Happy Snow Park | Map | 7 | 70% | 5,400 yen | AM/PM | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚌 "Shinano-Omachi Station" Bus Stop (approx. 4 hours 30 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 15 min) |
【Nagano Prefecture】Karuizawa, Nozawa, Iiyama Area Ski Resorts
| Operating Period (Planned) | Ski Resort Name (HP URL) | Location | No. of Courses | Beginner % | Ticket Price *1 | Time-based Tickets (Types) *2 | Night Skiing | Foreign Language School *3 | Access *4 |
| 2025/11/1– 2026/3/31 | Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort | Map | 14 | 58% | 8,000 yen | PM | × | EN, CH | 🚅 Karuizawa Station (approx. 60 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 1 min) / Walk (approx. 10 min) |
| 2025/11/29– | Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | Map | 44 | 40% | 7,500 yen | 4h | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Iiyama Station (approx. 100 min) → Bus (approx. 25 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 15–20 min) |
| 2025/12/13– 2026/3/29 | Madarao Mountain Resort | Map | 32 | 35% | 8,500 yen | 3h, 5h, etc. | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Iiyama Station (approx. 100 min) → Bus (approx. 30 min) |
| 2025/12/20– 2026/3/29 | Tangram Ski Circus | Map | 19 | 30% | 6,500 yen | 4h | 〇 | EN, CH | 🚅 Iiyama Station (approx. 100 min) → Bus (approx. 45 min) |
| Not Announced | Togari Onsen Snow Resort | Map | 13 | 30% | 5,500 yen | AM/PM | 〇 | EN | 🚅 Iiyama Station (approx. 100 min) → Shuttle Bus (approx. 20 min) |
【kkday】Transportation Related
- Haneda Airport HND・Tokyo 23 Areas⮂East Japan Ski Resort One-Way Transfer Private charter car
- Travel from Narita/Haneda Airport to Hakuba Ski Resort. Express bus airport transfer service reservation: SNOW LINER (Nagano)
- Travel from Narita/Haneda Airport to Madarao/Akakura Ski Resorts. Express bus airport transfer service reservation. SNOW LINER (Nagano)
- Travel from Narita/Haneda Airport to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Express bus airport transfer service reservation: SNOW LINER (Nagano)
- Shuttle Service From Downtown Tokyo to Naeba Prince Hotel
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